For me, there is nothing more exciting than a laptop with unique features or an original design. While a lot of new laptops were announced at CES this year, some of them really stood out from the rest. From RGB keyboards on Chromebooks to portable laptops so thin and light they practically float away, I’m dying to try them all. Then let’s get started, okay?
Looking for more laptop options? Check out our roundup of the best laptops available today.
Asus Chromebook Vibe CX43 Flip
Asus
Chromebooks are great for those who want a no-frills car. Personally, I use it for writing and editing, as well as browsing the web and watching YouTube. However, over time, Chromebooks have evolved to become more than just everyday machines.
Sign in to your Asus Chromebook Vibe CX43 Flip. This is a cloud gaming Chromebook with an RGB keyboard. Initially, I was drawn to the all-white body and orange WASD keys. It definitely looks like a gaming laptop, but with more style. The screen even rotates 360 degrees, which means you can use it like a tablet.
The top-tier configuration includes an Intel Core i7-1255U processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of PCIe NVMe SSD. I haven’t tested this one yet, but considering the hardware I suspect it will provide great performance (although such a large SSD might not be needed in a cloud gaming focused laptop). The 14-inch 1200p display has a 16:10 aspect ratio and is touch-enabled. The taller 16:10 aspect ratio is perfect for scrolling through documents and the like. Plus, Asus even includes a pen in the box.
No pricing details yet, but the Vibe CX43 will be available in the first quarter of 2023. To sweeten the bank even further, the manufacturer also ships the SteelSeries Rival 3 gaming mouse with it.
HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook
HP
The HP Elite Dragonfly line of notebooks is designed for business professionals. They are luxurious, light and expensive. This year at CES, the manufacturer introduced consumer versions of its business laptops. This is where the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook comes in.
The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook has two standout features: an incredibly bright display and an RGB backlit keyboard. The RGB keyboard is unique because it’s a non-gaming laptop. If you like a little flair, then this is good news for you. HP also claims that the 14-inch 1600p touchscreen display has a maximum brightness level of 1200 nits, which is wild. If this number is correct, then this display should produce an incredibly bright image. Inside the case, you’ll find an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. This power is sufficient for everyday tasks such as checking email, watching Netflix, and so on.
Ultra-thin LG Gram
LG
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the LG Gram UltraSlim from the side. It’s almost paper-thin. The width is a mind-boggling 0.43 inches and the weight is 2.2 pounds. This thing is so light it can float away if you’re not careful. It also contains very powerful internal components.
The UltraSlim is powered by a 13th Gen Raptor Lake Intel Core processor, Intel Iris Xe graphics, up to 16GB of RAM and up to 1TB of SSD storage. The stunning 15.6-inch OLED display has a resolution of 1920×1080. This means that the image must be clear and bright.
I love it when laptop manufacturers push the boundaries of design, and LG does just that.
Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Twist
Lenovo
The idea of an e-ink display on a laptop excites me positively as I suffer from eye strain on a regular basis. E-ink displays are commonly used in e-readers and are less harmful to the eyes. That’s why I definitely want to try the Lenovo ThinkBook Plus Twist. This unique machine has two displays: one 13.3-inch 1800p OLED touchscreen and one 12-inch e-ink display. You can switch between them by rotating the screen, which rotates 180 degrees. The e-ink display is front-illuminated and full color. The hardware is also impressive.
The ThinkBook Plus Twist features 13th Gen Intel processors, up to 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB 4th Gen SSD. Based on the specs alone, I would expect performance to be high, especially when performing normal tasks. We’ll find out more when we run a couple of tests on this machine. Personally, I’m curious to see if the e-ink display saves battery life or not. My personal Kindle has an e-ink display and it lasts quite a long time on a single charge.
Lenovo YogaBook 9i
The Lenovo YogaBook 9i is as attractive as it is confusing. When the manufacturer first showed pictures of the laptop, I caught myself looking and trying to figure it out. It’s one of the few dual-screen laptops that can stand upright on its own. The two 13-inch OLED displays are hinged together, allowing it to be used in several different 2-in-1 configurations. There is even a removable keyboard.
It’s a strange sight, that’s for sure. It might be a good option for those who need a dual display workstation, but I suspect this laptop is aimed at a narrower audience. However, it is very interesting and unforgettable. I would like to see how practical or cumbersome this is in everyday use.
These are the laptops I’m most excited to get my hands on, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. For an even deeper look at the sleek laptops coming soon, be sure to check out our roundup of the 10 best laptops from CES 2023.